Chess Puzzle #1xlxT — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen g4; rook b1; bishop d3; pawns a2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen b2; rook e8; bishop d4; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb2 — rook b1→b2, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Bf1 (bishop d3→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook e1→f1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/ppp2pp1/7p/8/3b2Q1/3B4/PqP3PP/1R5K w - - 0 21

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.